Flaunting a bare back and a blemish-free face has never been so easy. Sujata Assomull recommends special products and exclusive treatments that ensure a healthy sheen

Back Up!

Do not neglect your back just because you do not see it.

The back and shoulders have become focal points, thanks to fashion's new glamorous mood. Whether it's backless cholis, halter necks or one-shoulder evening gowns, the back is in full view and should have a look of lustre. It is important to follow a skincare regime for your back. For that healthy glow, polish with an exfoliating creme or scrub that has a grainy feel like Clarins Toning and Relaxing Body Polisher, at least twice a week. Do away with dead cells and add sheen. For pigmentation problems, try a back 'facial'. Most beauticians offer back treatments and Kaya Skin Clinic's back shine and peels can help but you need several treatments before you see results. If you know that you are going to be 'wearing' a bare back, book a couple of treatments in advance. If hair is a problem, book a course of hair laser treatments, which claim to permanently get rid of unwanted fuzz. When waxing for the first time, remember to try a test patch. The skin on your back is surprisingly sensitive. If redness does occur, rub calamine lotion for a cooling effect.

Follow up with at-home treatments. Use a body lightening cream to tone down any marks and scars that need to be hidden. Clarins Lightening Mist comes in a spray so is easy to use on your back. For that extra shine, remember to rub body lotion on your back. Lakme has launched its first ever body cream, Lakme's Body Milk, just in time for the festive season.

If skin treatments do not work, do not panic. The magic of make-up can do wonders. Make-up artist, Vipul Bhagat, says, "Lots of the girls I work on ask for make-up on their backs when they are either wearing their hair up or are opting for shorter hair styles." His first suggestion to banish marks, is to eat healthier, to regularly steam the back and have oil massages. "It opens the pores and helps to clean-up," he says.

As far as make-up goes, he suggests using the same foundation as the face. "You want them to match," he says. His current favourite foundation is by Bobby Brown but it is not available in the Indian market. "It goes on so evenly, it works well on the back." He suggests you smooth on your foundation with your fingers. For hard to reach places use a cosmetic sponge. "Remember to use a different sponge on your back and face. You do not want germs to spread," he advises. For a bronzed look, he suggests bronzing powder mixed with baby oil for a natural looking tone. For added glow, brush some bronzing powder, with a blush brush, onto collarbones and shoulders. Or, try body shimmers. One that is guaranteed to add alluring gloss is Jean Paul Gaultier's Fragile. It acts as fragrance and body shine. If wearing a short skirt, rub it on your legs too!

Using make-up can be hazardous to your outfit. If it does get onto your clothes, remember to remove the stains as soon as possible. No matter how late you come home in the night, use a spot remover, immediately. Detergent based powders work very well, as do spirits. If you notice a stain while out at a party, dab some vodka. You will save yourself a hefty dry cleaning bill.

THE ACE OF BASE

The basics of skincare and make-up for a smooth as satin complexion, at any age

This season brings us a double whammy, as far as skin and make-up is concerned. The change in weather means skin can become dry and flaky. Couple this with the wedding season and the Christmas festivities that are around the corner, which mean late nights and heavy make-up, which too take their toll on your skin. Two products that help combat this are moisturiser which keeps skin healthy and foundation which enhances glow and camouflages flaws. These two products make your base and give you that smooth as satin complexion.

Naughty Twenties: Simple and Clean.

Skincare: Keep it as simple as possible. Drink at least a litre of water daily to eliminate toxins and maximise your youthful glow. Oiliness and shine can be problems, so look for moisturisers that help combat this. Stick to fluid moisturisers that have a watery feel. Good bets for those with oily skin are Clarins Multi Active Day Cream and Nina Ricci Pret A Porter De Peau Moisturising Gel to keep skin hydrated and help control shininess. Alternatively, if winter has had a drying effect on your face, you may want to opt for Lakme's Winter Care Moisturiser.

Make-Up: Try to avoid foundation and make the most of your youthful glow. Opt for tinted moisturisers instead, in the evenings. Yves Saint Laurent's Tinted Moisturiser works as a base and concealer. On a special evening out, if you feel a foundation is really needed, opt for something that is ultra light such as Maybelline's Ever Fresh Make-Up.

Flirty Thirties : Keep it Calm

Skincare: Many women are balancing career with motherhood and this can make for a very hectic life. The signs of aging may begin to show and any moisturiser you use should have a SPF, like Shiseido's Day Essential Moisturiser from their The Skincare range. When buying a moisturiser, ask for sample size bottles that you can carry in your bag, in case you need a top-up during the day. You may also want to keep a cooling mist spray handy. It has a calming effect on the skin.

Make-Up: As far as base make-up is concerned, this is the age when most women begin to use a foundation, especially in the evenings. One that will give your skin that added lift is Clarins Extra Firming Foundation. If your under-eyes are beginning to worry you, use Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat. This wonder pen helps dark circles vanish. On a special evening out, you may even want to mix bronzing gel or cream into your foundation, for a dewy effect.

Fab Forties: Creamy Nights

Skincare: Fine lines may be a worry and moisturiser should really be treated like your new best friend. Separate night and day creams that help to keep the skin taut, are a must, like Christian Dior's Enriched Firming Night Creme and Christian Dior's Lift and Firming Day Creme. Look out for products that have a thicker consistency.

Make-Up: You may want to add a few drops of moisturiser into your foundation to stop it from looking 'cakey'. Or, try a foundation with a creamy texture like La Prairie's Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation. It also comes in a stick applicator form, suiting those looking for heavier coverage and is best applied with a cosmetic sponge. On special evenings out, use a pre make-up cream such as Nina Ricci's Skin Illuminator Serum, to diffuse the light and give a flawless look. A concealer is key especially on inner and outer corners of the face. Keep it light though, as using too much concealer can make eyes look puffy.

Fun Fifties: Take it Easy

Skincare: Hormonal changes will effect your skin, so it's vital to look at a skincare regime. You may want to consult a professional and ensure that you are using the right products. Moisturisers remain a must and La Prairie's Cellular Night Repair Cream or Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream works well for women in their fifties. You are probably already using separate eye creams but you may also want to look at applying a neck cream like Shiseido's Neck Firming Creme from the Benifiance Range. (This can also be used in the chest area.)

Make-Up: Foundation should be light - anything too heavy will actually make you look older. Look for something with a smoothing effect like Elizabeth Arden's Flawless Finish Mousse Make-Up. It is light and frothy. Keep concealers light, too. Those who have age spots may want to use something little heavier on affected areas like Elizabeth Arden's Skin Balancing Make-Up.

STYLE BUYS

A pick of the best of the season's newest beauty products

For the Face: This season, make-up is all about colour, which is why Lakme has come out with their Fireworks range. The seasonal palette ranges from sparkling peachy pink and fiery purple-maroons to blue shot with silver undertones, cold gold and lustrous lavender. The product range includes lipstick shades to lip glosses that have a crystal like sparkle. Even the kohl eyeliners have a shimmer effect and, to give the face a real glow, there are face highlighters in gold and silver. A make-up range for the bling-bling babe! (From Rs 55, available at outlets throughout India.)

Packaging: The collection sports a very festive look.

Efficiency: The lipstick and nail polish colour range is extensive but not so long lasting. The kohl eyeliners are among the best in the market and the shimmer eye shadows are easy to apply and have a cooling effect.

Scent of the Season: Roberto Cavalli Woman, a perfume with a simple name, has an exotic blend. This perfume spells sensuality. A mix of both floral and spicy notes, it has a feminine feel yet is mysterious. Buy it for yourself or as a Christmas gift for a friend. (Rs 2,995 for 75ml, at Shoppers' Stop)

Packaging: The sleek bottle imparts a feeling of danger, thanks to the snake wrapped around the top of the bottle.

Efficiency: Definitely for those who like to make their presence felt.

For the Body: Thalgo products are a favourite with renowned spas including Harrods and Urban Retreat in London and Burj-Al-Arab's spa in Dubai. Now, their products are available in India. Based on marine philosophy, Thalgo believes that sea therapies can have a revitalising, rebalancing and healing impact on the body. They have an entire product range varying from shower gels to refining serums, which claim to help combat cellulite. (From Rs 800, at selected salons and spas.)

Packaging: The marine blue packaging is just right for their mantra, 'Women, like the sea are always moving'.

Efficiency: Difficult to say if the slimming infusions really work, but they do seem to help flush out toxins. Ditto with the refining serums though they do improve skin texture. If you want to indulge yourself, these products can really help you turn your home into a mini spa.

For the Cheeks: With femininity and Hollywood glam being the style statements of the moment, blush is a product no women should go without. Rosy cheeks are a must and to celebrate this, Nina Ricci has introduced a new blush-on. Apply it to the apple of the cheeks for an instant healthy glow. (Rs 1,100, at Parcos.)

Packaging: Matte silver box, very chic for your handbag.

Efficiency: The creamy mousse texture makes it easy to apply. You will not need a blush brush, simply use fingers.

For the Hair: Gone are the days of bottle-blonde and burgundy! Schwarzkopf Professional, has come up with funky new colours to match the festive mood. Thanks to Igora Action Paint, you can add a dash of colour to your crowning glory, from your home. Available in five 'intermixable' shades of the most trendy, vibrant colours - yellow flare, orange glow, red spark, ruby craze and blue splash. Change your colour every week or alter according to your outfit. (Rs 1,499, at leading salons.)
Packaging: The plastic, brightly-coloured tubes, do not make for an attractive-looking product, so keep this one hidden in a drawer.

Efficiency: This temporary hair colour really does stay on, up to ten washes but there is a catch - it only works on pre-lightened hair.